CenterLines is the bi-weekly e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling &
Walking, a program of Project for Public Spaces. CenterLines is our way of quickly delivering news and information
you can use to create more walkable and bicycle-friendly communities.

-> Registration is now open for Pro Walk/Pro Bike® 2012 in Long Beach, CA, September 10-13. "Pro Place" is our conference theme in recognition/celebration of the role of walking and bicycling in building place. Placemaking, Sunday Parkways, Ciclovia, Open Streets -- the names of the tools differ, but the outcome is often the same: add people back to the streets, and community can sprout from barren concrete and asphalt.

The Pro Place theme will be explored along side our expected fare of state-of-the-practice presentations from innovators in the health, planning, and transportation fields. Our presenters will cover best practices on Safe Routes to School; complete streets design and implementation; public bike share programs; innovative urban bicycle facilities; the latest research; and much more. Program announcements will begin in April 2012.

For 2012, our Early Bird conference rates are: Presenter, $500; APBP Member, $520; and Delegate, $615. In addition to these rates, we are offering discounts for large delegations. For details, please contact Mark Plotz, Conference Director, (202) 223-3621 or <mark@bikewalk.org>. These rates will expire May 16, 2012. Please note: Presenters will be notified of their status by/before March 31, 2012.

Don't forget the Pro Walk/Pro Bike® 2014 requests for letter of interest to host the conference is due by March 16, 2012, 8:00pm ET. Info: http://bit.ly/AsD7Qp

LONG-TERM TRANSPORTATION BILL FACES DETOURS

-> According to a Feb. 27th Politico article, "The machinations of transportation bills in Congress may seem like the kind of inside-the-Beltway politics that make the rest of the country snooze. But after more than 800 days of stopgaps, an impending deadline and a series of delays in the Senate and House, local politicians and transportation officials across the country are grabbing the popcorn. They just don't know yet whether they are watching a horror flick or a coming-of-age film. 'We've been following it very, very closely," said Oklahoma Transportation Secretary Gary Ridley in an interview. "Certainly we're anxious for them to pass both."

"Last week's announcement from House GOP leaders that they've given up on a five-year bill and are working on a "revamped" measure that may match the Senate's two-year bill is just the latest twist localities are getting used to after eight transportation policy extensions that have hamstrung large projects across the country. 'At this point, local leaders' only certainty is at least another month of uncertainty, a disappointment because long-range transportation funding bills have traditionally been an area of bipartisan agreement and cooperation..."

-> According to a Feb. 21st news release, "In communities across the country, open streets initiatives are redefining citizens' relationships with public spaces and encouraging millions of Americans to get active. To foster the growth and development of these exciting initiatives, the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the Street Plans Collaborative have launched two new, innovative resources: The Open Streets Project website and the Open Streets Guide. Open streets initiatives temporarily close streets to automobiles, allowing residents to walk, bike, skate, dance and utilize the roadways in countless creative and active ways. From Los Angeles to Ottawa, and Missoula to Miami, open streets have become a way for cities to build community, promote active transportation and reconnect neighborhoods divided by traffic."

"The website showcases dozens of current initiatives across the continent and allows municipalities and advocacy organizations to share information and resources on their open streets initiatives as they evolve and expand. The Open Streets Guide features best practices from 67 initiatives across the continent, and serves as a tool for cities looking to start or grow an open streets initiative." [A free electronic copy of the guide can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/yISYLI] 'Open Streets initiatives are transformational for people and their communities,' said Jeffrey Miller, Alliance President/CEO. 'When communities open their streets to people, they inspire citizens to see their roads as public spaces, and provide a welcoming gateway for residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and active transportation.'..."

-> In a Feb. 24th Fast Lane blog entry, Secretary LaHood wrote, "The 70-degree weather here in Washington, DC, has many residents of our nation's capital thinking about spring. A quick look at area streets reveals many bicyclists and pedestrians reveling in this temporary reprieve from winter, but across America, millions of bicyclists and pedestrians use our country's streets year-round. And DOT wants to ensure that our transportation system continues to serve these users -- as well as motorists, transit riders, air travelers, rail passengers, and shippers."

"Fortunately, President Obama's proposed 2013 budget will allow the Federal Highway Administration to foster policies and investments that increase transportation choices including on-road and off-road facilities for bicycles, pedestrians, and people in wheelchairs; projects to promote safe routes for non-drivers; and programs that encourage walking and biking to schools and community centers. These are part of DOT's Strategic Plan, which seeks increased access to convenient and affordable transportation choices for all Americans, regardless of their ability or desire to drive..."

-> According to a Feb. 16th NHTSA announcement, "U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the first-ever federally proposed guidelines to encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices. The proposed voluntary guidelines would apply to communications, entertainment, information gathering and navigation devices or functions that are not required to safely operate the vehicle. Issued by the Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the guidelines would establish specific recommended criteria for electronic devices installed in vehicles at the time they are manufactured that require visual or manual operation by drivers. The announcement of the guidelines comes just days after President Obama's FY 2013 budget request, which includes $330 million over six years for distracted driving programs that increase awareness of the issue and encourage stakeholders to take action..."

-> A recent Brompton announcement suggested "Imagine a fully-automated bike hiring system that gives you access to one of the most trusted foldable bike brands, Brompton. Imagine how flexible it would be if you could hire your Brompton and return it at any time. You could keep it for as long as you want -- a day or six months. You could simply enjoy cycling without making any commitment."

"Imagine how convenient a bike would be if you could fold it into a briefcase-size and carry anywhere including on public transport or store in the safety of your home or office. You could just integrate cycling into your daily life, even when you're going to work. It would not only save you time and money but also give you the opportunity to exercise in your busy schedule. This is all possible -- with Brompton Dock. All you have to do is visit the website (http://bit.ly/AteSP5) to become a member. Then, you'll be able to access the Bromptons via your mobile phone. Come to the dock, take your bike, unfold and off you go."

"At the moment, Brompton Dock is only available in the UK. However, we're growing and our 2013 plans include introducing Brompton Dock to the US."

SRTS PROGRAMS THAT REDUCE SPEEDING, DISTRACTED DRIVING

-> According to a Feb. 16th NCSRTS news release, "To highlight the visible results gained by communities and to provide examples of how successful SRTS programs have tracked progress, the National Center for Safe Routes to School has developed a three-part series of Getting Results resources. 'Getting Results: SRTS Programs That Reduce Speeding and Distracted Driving,' the second installment of the three-part series, was released today."

"The report focuses on how Safe Routes to School programs in Brattleboro, Vt.; Greenville, N.C.; Rockville, Md.; Washington, D.C.; and Alexandria, Va., measured success in reducing the numbers of speeding cars and distracted drivers. The program leaders used a variety of activities to decrease dangerous driving behavior, including installing or upgrading pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, enforcing speed and distracted driving laws and conducting public information campaigns."

"The resource offers tips such as: SRTS programs that aim to reduce speeding and distracted driving should take a baseline measurement of the targeted behavior before implementing any strategic changes so that it can be compared to behavior once those efforts are underway or complete..."

-> According to the Feb. 15th Rail-Trail eNews, "There are more than 20,000 miles of rail-trails crossing the nation and connecting towns and country. Getting out on the trail to enjoy the outdoors, exercise or spend time with friends and family is an option for everyone. However, when we think about commuting to work or running errands from A to B, many assume that active transportation is only an option for people in the largest cities, where many destinations are close together and the street network is supplemented by transit."

"A new research report (http://bit.ly/wqbfQw) by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy demonstrates that, in fact, active transportation is a part of life even far beyond urban centers. From tiny Burlington, Wyo. (pop. 250), to Elvis' hometown in Tupelo, Miss. (pop. 39,000), kids, seniors and working people walk and bicycle at rates that are not so different from what you find in metropolitan areas..."

-> According to a Feb. 13th Atlantic Cities article, "There is a reason that romantic movies and novels are set in cities such as Paris, Rome, Prague and New York. Or perhaps in picturesque historic towns and villages. And why they are seldom set in, say, sprawling Tysons Corner, Virginia, or on Interstate Highway 610 during a Houston rush hour. Love can happen anywhere, anytime -- that's part of the wonderful magic of life -- but the odds are much higher in nature or in a walkable city neighborhood (or both at the same time!) than in sprawl, or while driving in traffic. So this week, let's celebrate some of the world's more romantic walkable city places. London, above, has many of them."

"Last year at this time, I posted a short essay on, 'What Do the World's Most Romantic Cities Have in Common?' (http://bit.ly/wxgUr0) These characteristics formed part of my answer:
-- Strong sense of place anchored by historic preservation
-- Lively, walkable, diverse downtowns
-- Compact development patterns
-- Extensive and well-used public transportation
-- Great public spaces for lively human interaction
-- Parks and quiet places mixed in with urbanity
-- Great traditional neighborhoods with a strong sense of community
-- Welcoming to people of diverse cultures..."

Source: http://bit.ly/ApjoEg
Archive search: use "Search" window
Archive cost: No
Title: "Why So Many Romantic Comedies Are Set in Cities"
Author: Kaid Benfield

-> According to a Feb. 20th Eltis article, the estimate "comes from a survey of 2,600 inhabitants of the city conducted by the Department of Research and Statistics. The aim of the survey was to evaluate the attitude of the inhabitants of Amsterdam towards the bicycles in town, and to collect information about the number of bikes in the city. The need for the estimate arose because many complaints have been made about the overload of bikes in the city, yet a clear indication of the amount of bikes in town was lacking. The estimation was based on the principle of 'Wisdom of the Crowds' which states that an average group of people can provide 'the truth' about a situation. In the case of Amsterdam, the responses of the people who completed the questionnaire indicated that 881,000 is the average number of bikes present in the city."

"Responses revealed that 1 out of 7 residents enjoy cycling through the city, with 23% considering it 'very pleasant'. 11% do not like it and 19% have a neutral attitude. The reasons for the positive feelings reported included: it is an easy and fast way to travel (50%), it is a good way to enjoy the surroundings (19%) and it is healthy and sporty (17%). Less frequently mentioned were the good cycle facilities and the fact that is an affordable transport mode. Counter-arguments to cycling were anti-social traffic behaviours, insecurity and the inconvenience of scooters..."

-> In a Dec. 28th Panethos post, Rick Brown wrote, "No...I am not talking about Carmel, California, which is indeed a gorgeous town overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In this case I am complimenting Carmel, Indiana, a large suburb of approximately 80,000 residents located just north of Indianapolis...The downtown area at the time was very small and other than the theater was largely underutilized. Today, aside from high school sports, Carmel is also a clear trendsetter in place making. The current header for Panethos was taken at one of many roundabouts in the city with a lovely fountain in the center and mixed use developments bordering on two sides. Carmel has the distinction of having more roundabouts than any other city in the United States (60+), including several impressive ones built over State Route 431 (Keystone Parkway) in order to make it a limited access parkway."

"Artwork and sculptures line the downtown streets, while a magnificent performing arts center (The Palladium) recently opened at the south end of downtown. All these items are linked by an impressive and growing network of paved trails/greenways for bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, and other trail users. Among them are the Monon Greenway and White River Greenway. Carmel may not be perfect in the eyes of all urban planners, but the city has made huge strides to create an urban center, add placemaking features, increase density, and improve walkability and bikeability. I was pleasantly surprised and quite impressed during a tour of the city on Christmas Eve..."

-> According to the Feb. 17th E-News from ACA, "The chief has more than two decades of law enforcement experience and a long history of community outreach, and the cycling community has benefited from this commitment to coalition building. Soon after Chief Acevedo arrived in Austin, he agreed to take part in a public forum in which he would answer for issues, real and perceived, between cyclists and the police department. All topics were open for discussion, including ticket stings, untrained patrol officers and response at crash sites."

"The first forum, in 2009, was a watershed in relations with the APD, and the following annual events have proved to be the public catalyst for implementing a variety of initiatives. The 2012 forum format will be changing to reflect the community partnership as it stands today. It will begin with a meet-and-greet social time before the formal presentation. APD will present updates on several projects including statistics of interest, bike registration program, bike light giveaways and ticket remediation classes. The question and answer portion will follow..."

-> According to a Feb. 8th Boston Globe article, "The rebuilt Longfellow Bridge will shrink to a single traffic lane bound for Cambridge, keep two headed for Boston, and gain wider bike lanes and sidewalks in each direction as part of a new design released to the public yesterday. For the 105-year-old Longfellow, that plan, filed with federal regulators last month, reverses some 1950s-era changes that recast one of the state's best-known bridges to allow for faster driving."

"It represents a win for advocates of greener travel and shared streets. 'These are public ways, so we want to make sure we're accommodating all public users and not just being vehicle-centric,' said Frank DePaola, the state's highway administrator."

"The Longfellow now carries roughly 25,000 cars each weekday - over two lanes in each direction, widening to three where it approaches Charles Circle -- and a few thousand foot and bicycle travelers, despite sometimes narrow and even interrupted bike and foot paths. The T's Red Line, which rumbles down the center of the bridge, carries about 100,000 riders on weekdays between the Kendall and Charles/MGH stations..."

-> According to the Feb. 21st edition of WalkBikeBerks' Making Connections, "When Governor Tom Corbett signed House Bill 170 into law earlier this month, he made Pennsylvania the twentieth state in the union to approve what bicycling advocates call 'safe passing laws.' The new law, which takes effect in April, requires motorists to allow at least four feet of space when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction. It also prohibits cars from making a right turn in front of bicycles proceeding straight. WalkBikeBerks board member and bicycle safety advocate Emily Weidner shared her views on the 'four-feet passing' law with WFMZ TV 69. As a retired League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, Emily believes that 'education' is the key to the effectiveness of such laws and to the safety of cyclists in general..."

-> According to a Feb. 21st StarPress editorial, "As mentioned in an editorial last Sunday, getting around on foot in downtown Muncie can be a challenge. The same can be said for many other streets -- heavily traveled and not -- in other parts of the city for those who walk or bicycle. Lack of sidewalks or bicycle lanes and the danger of speeding traffic make navigating by means other than a car difficult if not impossible. In other locations, sidewalks are uneven, contain obstacles and pose more of a hazard than a help. That's why a new initiative -- complete streets -- deserves serious consideration. In brief, complete streets is a concept that looks at streets from the needs of a neighborhood, including trees, curbs, sidewalks, bike lanes and pavement."

"Eric Kelly, an urban planning professor at Ball State University, plans to get all the students in his department to help devise a complete street program for the city. It's an ambitious undertaking that might open many eyes in Muncie after the students finish their work...To be successful, complete streets will need to break the practices of the past, the ones whereby progress is measured by adding traffic lanes and speeding traffic flow. It will be necessary to overcome financial needs and wants in Muncie's neighborhoods versus the more heavily traveled thoroughfares. The argument that Muncie cannot afford complete street concepts while potholes abound is powerful, but ultimately wrong..."

-> According to the Winter 2012 FHWA Pedestrian Forum, "In California, pedestrians represented a total of 19.4% of all roadway fatalities in 2009-- approximately 58 percent more than the national average. Accordingly, the state has been looking at ways to take an aggressive approach to improving pedestrian safety. Pedestrian Safety Improvement Program California is developing a State-funded Pedestrian Safety Improvement Program (PSIP) modeled after the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)."

"HSIP was created under the 2005 transportation authorization law, the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU), as one of the core Federal-Aid funding sources. HSIP provides funding for safety projects aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Although pedestrian safety projects are eligible for HSIP funding, it has sometimes been difficult for states and localities to justify spending HSIP funds on projects that will improve safety for these users because the related crashes are so infrequent -- California's program is dedicated solely to pedestrians..."

-> According to a recent APHA Bookstore announcement, "Designing Healthy Communities with host and narrator Dr. Richard J. Jackson, MD, MPH is a public television multi-media project providing a provocative and challenging view of the impact of the built environment has on our public health -- how we live, where we live, and what we must change to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. The Designing Healthy Communities book offers a new perspective on the topics covered in each episode while providing a roadmap and tools for readers to effect similar positive change in their own communities. Dr. Jackson is a vibrant public speaker, highly skilled at distilling ideas to a simple and understandable conversation. Unlike textbooks on the topic, this book seeks to feel more like a conversation between Dr. Jackson and the many people he has met along the road. Through stories and examples, he will encourage readers to consider their own experience and why taking initiative to make positive change in society is important..."

-> According to a Feb. 21st USCPRC announcement, "The Physical Activity and Public Health Course (PAPH), sponsored by the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is entering its 18th year of successful training for researchers and public health practitioners. The PAPH course offerings feature an 8-day Postgraduate Course on Research Directions and Strategies and a 6-day Practitioner's Course on Community Interventions. The faculty for the courses is composed of nationally recognized experts in public health research and practice."

"The Research Course serves post-doctoral personnel and is designed to develop research competencies related to physical activity and public health. The Practitioner's Course is for those professionally involved or interested in community-based initiatives to promote physical activity. Approximately 25 fellows are accepted for each course. Criteria for acceptance include educational background, experience, professional position, and potential to enhance public health research and practice. The 2012 Physical Activity and Public Health Courses will be held September 11-19, 2012 at The Lodge at the Mountain Village in Park City, Utah."

-> According to the Feb. issue of the ITS Update, "Distraction Dodger, an online game developed by the ITS Institute [U. of MN], premiered at the 4th Annual Teen Safe Driving Summit on February 2 at the Rosemount (Minn.) Community Center. Institute director Max Donath and program coordinator Shawn Haag demonstrated the game to the160 teenagers, school advisers, law enforcement officers, and others who attended the daylong event. The game, designed to help teens and young adults understand the importance of concentrating on driving, has already received attention with an award at the 2011 International Serious Play Conference..."

-> "Currently, 100 million Americans own bicycles, and walking and bicycling already account for 12 percent of all trips. For the cost of one mile of a four-lane urban freeway ($50 million), we could build approximately 100 miles of bike lanes and bicycle boulevards or more than 150 miles (241 km) of off-road bike trails. Of course, it is only when cities begin investing in bicycle infrastructure that residents begin to use bicycles at rates higher than the national average..."-- Edward T. McMahon, the Urban Land Institute

-> "As a health researcher, I am particularly concerned about the effects of our car-centric transportation laws on physical activity and chronic disease. Inactive lifestyle is a major cause of health costs and death, through its effects on heart disease, diabetes and cancers..."-- James Sallis, UC San Diego

-> "In gloriously geeky fashion, economics students at Lehigh University tried to estimate how long it would take and how much it would cost to build the Empire's ginormous man-made planetship if we were to get started today. The students started by assuming the Death Star could be made from steel, and that the ship would be about as steel-dense as a modern warship, in particular the HMS Illustrious. Applying that steel density to the Death Star's size--the moon-size weapon was reportedly 140 km in diameter--they determined that just over a quadrillion tons of steel (quadrillion comes after trillion) would be required for construction..."

Additional training
opportunities are available on the National Center for Bicycling &
Walking web site. Add your own items to the on-line calendar...it's quick
and easy. Please be sure your calendar items pertain to training and workshops
in the bicycle, pedestrian, or livable community fields. Go to:http://www.bikewalk.org/calendar.php

The Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) seeks a highly motivated, organized, and action-oriented individual to manage grant- and contract-funded activity for the Sustainable Cities Initiative (). The position will primarily manage the Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP). The position will also manage and participate in other SCI grant-funded activity.

This posting will remain open until filled; applications will begin to be reviewed on Friday, February 17, 2012. The position is expected to start as early as possible in March 2012.